New York, US - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned Sunday's attack against UNAMID in Sudan's Darfur region that left one peacekeeper dead and two wounded. The attack on a UNAMID patrol team took place near Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, and came less than one month after three peacekeepers were killed in an ambush in North Darfur.

In a statement made available to PANA in New York, Ban extended his 'heartfelt sympathy and condolences' to the families of the three soldiers and their colleagues in Darfur. 'The Secretary-General expects the Government of Sudan will swiftly bring those responsible for this reprehensible act to justice,' it stated.

PANA reports that more than 30 UNAMID personnel - both military and civilians - have died as a result of hostile actions since the mission took over from an earlier AU peace force at the start of 2008. Also, many humanitarian workers have also been targeted in attacks by bandits or armed groups. Darfur has been wracked with conflict since 2003, between Sudanese government forces and allied militiamen against rebel groups. Millions of civilians have been either internally displaced or forced to seek refuge in neighbouring countries.

Pana 08/11/2011